Purpose – The primary purpose of this paper is to present a comprehensive strategy for performance, reliability and scalability (PSR) testing of multi‐tier web applications.

Design/methodology/approach – The strategy for PSR testing is presented primarily through examination of the intangible knowledge base in the PSR testing field. The paper also draws on relevant recent work conducted in the area of software performance evaluation.

Findings – The study revealed that appropriate testing procedures are critical for the success of web‐based multi‐tier applications. However, there was little academic work that collectively focused on PSR testing issues. This paper provides step‐by‐step testing procedures to ensure that web‐based applications are functioning well to meet user demands.

Research limitations/implications – Given the rapid changes in technology and business environments, more applied research will be needed in the area of PSR testing to ensure the successful functioning of web‐based applications. For future studies, structured interviews or case‐study methods could be employed to present the views of online companies.

Originality/value – This paper provides a comprehensive strategy and the suggested steps for managers and technical personnel to ensure that the multi‐tier, web‐based applications are effective, scalable and reliable.